Boron Isotopes Reveal How Nuclear Waste Glass Slowly Dissolves over Time

Boron isotopes reveal how nuclear waste glass slowly dissolves over time

A new study has uncovered how tiny differences in boron atoms can help scientists better predict the long-term behavior of glass used to store hazardous waste. The findings, published in Environmental and Biogeochemical Processes, could improve forecasts of how radioactive materials are released from storage over thousands of years.

Boron isotopes unlock secrets of nuclear waste glass corrosion

Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Oct 15, 2025 Tiny variations in boron isotopes have provided scientists with a powerful new tool to understand how glass used for nuclear waste storage gradually breaks down over time. The discovery could lead to more accurate predictions of how radioactive materials are released from long-term repositories. Borosilicate glass is widely used to immobilize hazardous elements such as radionuclides and he